Summary of the impact

Research by Rowan and ERG colleagues Black, Bragg, Cutler, Duck has addressed the science and policy challenges faced by statutory authorities meeting their duty to implement the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) 2000. Assessing the sensitivity of aquatic systems to physical, chemical and biological pressures is the central theme, and through a series of commissioned projects funded by UK environment and conservation agencies, the research has:

• Developed new assessment tools used by statutory regulators to characterise the degree of flow alteration and physical modification to rivers and lakes;
• Developed the lake habitat survey (LHS) method, complete with accreditation programme, incorporated as best-practice in a CEN European Guidance Standard;
• Been translated directly into legally-binding and currently used environmental standards across the UK and Ireland (through new enabling legislation);
• Informed regulatory practices across Europe, particularly in Italy, Poland, France, Norway, Serbia and Montenegro.

Summary of the impact

This impact relates to a body of practice-based research undertaken by Professor Graeme Hutton (since 2000) and centres on a single output, `The Shed' (2009), a 500m² constructed residence and studio in rural Perthshire. The research has contributed to an advancement of thought and refinement of rural design practice internationally and locally. It has:

A. Informed a critical direction for professionals in architectural design relating to designing for predominantly landscape contexts

B. Informed wider society of the critical debate surrounding appropriate architectural designs for rural contexts

C. Established benchmark references for guiding planning and design judgements for sensitive rural locations

D. Transcribed this rural design research into the broader debate about architecture in the rural and urban built environment.

Summary of the impact

Wilkinson has developed, evaluated and applied techniques, standards and datasets for facial depiction and identification of the dead. The impacts include:

• Improved social welfare by establishing an international forensic tool that has enhanced forensic identification from human remains, and correspondingly improved law enforcement services and disaster victim identification.
• Delivered highly skilled people and international standards in forensic craniofacial identification.
• Provided cultural enrichment through enhanced public engagement with science and art internationally, through the craniofacial depiction of historical figures and ancient human remains.

Summary of the impact

As sophisticated proteomics methodologies are increasingly embraced by both academics and industry across the globe, growth in this area is set to explode. The University of Dundee has a leadership position in quantitative proteomics technology, through the expertise of Professor Angus Lamond. Dundee Cell Products Ltd is a University of Dundee spin-out company that was created to commercialise life sciences technology and reagents, and to exploit technology and expertise in proteomics developed at the College of Life Sciences. As of 2013, DCP offers >5,000 research products and six contract research services, centred around quantitative proteomics.

Summary of the impact

Research conducted at the University of Dundee has led to the development of a number of teaching interventions that have enhanced the employability skills of graduates in Dundee and beyond. Embedding innovative learning and teaching resources into the curriculum has given accounting and finance students across the UK early exposure to real world data as well as critical problem solving and decision making experience. This has created graduates who are able to deal with a rapidly changing working environment. Involving a wide range of stakeholders including not only academics and students but also finance experts and accounting practitioners in the research and design of the interventions has benefited the students who have been able to learn from the shared wisdom of professional experts while at university; and in return the profession has profited from more rounded and effective graduates.

Summary of the impact

Research conducted by Rieu-Clarke and Wouters has deepened knowledge and understanding of the role of international law in contributing to the peaceful management of the world's transboundary water resources amongst a range of stakeholders, including policy makers. The impact is manifested in invitations to high-level policy forums and engagement with policy makers at numerous training events. Additionally, several governments have ratified the UN Watercourses Convention (UNWC), in part due to their research, and their work has contributed to the imminent entry into force of the Convention.

Summary of the impact

Research by the UoA has transformed trauma recovery for children in situations of on-going violence. Hitherto, trauma recovery was provided post-conflict. Trauma recovery programme research developed at Dundee and led by Dr. Barron has directly improved psycho-trauma assessment and intervention for over 6000 children in Palestine. The UoA has led the development of a battery of screening measures and the delivery of culture-specific programmes into counsellor practice (N=200). These changes in psycho-trauma recovery have developed throughout Gaza (N=5000 children), across the West Bank (N=1000) and into other Middle East countries (Jordan and Egypt; N=200). The research has led to the delivery of trauma recovery programmes for maltreated children in 30% of Scotland's Secure Estate (N=50).

Summary of the impact

This study focuses on a large-scale trial of peer tutoring in reading and mathematics in primary schools. The underpinning theoretical model, the classroom techniques employed and the resources used were all designed or modified by Topping, supported by his research team. The trial took place over a two-year period, with 129 primary schools in Fife. There is evidence of impact in terms of enhanced pupil achievement in reading and mathematics, changes to educational policy as the tutoring techniques were built into the local authority guidelines and changes to practice as schools within Fife continue to employ peer tutoring techniques.

Summary of the impact

Keratins are major cytoskeletal proteins of epithelial cells. Pioneering research at the University of Dundee led by Prof Irwin McLean FRSE and Prof Birgit Lane FRSE showed the association of keratin mutations with genetic skin fragility disorders. This has dramatically changed the diagnosis of inherited skin disorders and has directly translated into improved clinical management of patients both in the UK and internationally. Further work on this disease has resulted in the first clinical trial using siRNA for a skin condition.

Summary of the impact

In 2003, researchers at the University of Dundee identified the tumour suppressor LKB1 as a critical upstream activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which provided the first link between AMPK and cancer. Metformin, the front-line therapy for type-2 diabetes, was already known to exert its beneficial effects through AMPK. An interdisciplinary collaboration at the University examined the link between metformin and cancer, and reported in 2005 that diabetics taking metformin had a reduced incidence of cancer. The impact has been clinical trials worldwide testing the benefit of metformin for cancer treatment, and development of therapeutics by pharmaceutical companies targeting this pathway.